FEATURED BLOG: A Gift of a Life

We are honored to be the recipient of donations in memory of George Sliter, a friend of many in our community, including the RCEF. George passed away unexpectedly earlier this month, leaving behind hundreds of people who loved him and benefited from his commitment to improving our world.

A retired nuclear engineer, George was passionate about sharing his love of math and his belief in learning through play with our RCSD students. “George was a fun and animated guy who just walked into our school one day and asked if he could help get the Khan Academy going. He worked with a parent to get an excited group of 3rd graders up and running” said Orion Principal Cathy Okubo. “The students and staff will greatly miss his energy and support.” At other schools, George tutored and mentored students in math, gave "Awesome Math Funshops,"and kept them interested and engaged with his many funny stories.  

In April 2012, George organized the "First Annual Interfaith Songfest" through the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship or Redwood City, where he was a member, and decided to donate half of the proceeds to the RCEF. The event, which, in his words, “aimed at unifying people of all faiths and abolishing hatred” drew together many choirs and musicians from Redwood City and neighboring communities. George also volunteered as a marshal in this year’s RCEF OktobeRun, keeping his fellow volunteers highly entertained while looking after runners. RCEF Board President Erika Pretell, who was also a personal friend of George, commented: “He always had a smile on his face, a sparkle in his eye, and a new project in the works.  I will miss George's sense of adventure, humor, and passion for making a better world.”

Donations received in George’s memory will directly support music, math, science, and technology programs in our schools. His family also requests that people honor George's commitment to creating a better community by volunteering a few hours in a way that enriches their community.

We are deeply grateful to George for making room in his life to give our children the gift of learning.

Make a gift to the RCEF